Commemorating an 'Idol'

David Cook was speechless when the cloth came down and the mural designed in his honor was unveiled.

Kelly Evenson

David Cook was speechless when the cloth came down and the mural designed in his honor was unveiled.

“Wow. I don’t think I have ever looked that good,” he said of the mural in downtown Blue Springs, Mo. “Thank you guys. All I can say is thank you. I can’t say anything else. This is huge.”

Cook, a Blue Springs native, was the seventh winner of “American Idol” in May. He was back in his hometown Friday to attend the unveiling of a mural, designed and painted by students in the Blue Springs School District’s Summer Creative Arts Academy. All are students at Blue Springs South High School this fall, Cook’s alma mater. More than 100 people attended the unveiling.

“When I started this experience a year ago, I didn’t think that somebody would paint my face on a building,” Cook said with a laugh. “This is a huge honor. It speaks to all of you who have rallied around something as simple as a guy singing on a television show.”

Before the event, Cook had the opportunity to select the Ford Hybrid he won as being a finalist on the show. The weekend concluded with the American Idol Live Tour Friday and Saturday at the Sprint Center.

Jeran Avery, an art teacher with the summer arts academy, said more than 2,000 hours were spent on the mural, which shows Cook to one side with a guitar in the center. He said the design was a collaborative process and that the students were eager to do something to honor Cook for his accomplishments.

“This is a big deal for our kids and a big deal for us to get this much exposure for the mural,” he said. “We wanted to do a David Cook tribute because there was not one yet in Blue Springs and this is a great place for public art. To see the kids work so diligently on this is wonderful. It was a great opportunity to be involved with.”

A print of the mural, which was later signed by all of the artists, was given to Cook. A second print will be in the school district’s central office; a third autographed copy will be donated to the American Cancer Society. The hope is that it will be placed for auction such as on eBay to raise money for the organization. Cook’s older brother, Adam, has brain cancer.

“This day is really all about the students who made this mural for David Cook,” said Dale Walkup, president of the Blue Springs Board of Education. “This gives the kids a chance to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”

Senior Amanda Steuck said she thought the idea for the mural was great. She said the most difficult part was getting started. The design was projected onto the panels and then had to be sketched by the students.

“Being an artist is a nice way to let out emotion and project one’s soul onto the canvas,” she said. “It is also nice to be recognized for your work. I think it's awesome that this has attracted so many people to view our piece.”

Jordan Terry, 11, of Blue Springs, claims to be “David Cook’s number one fan” and was thrilled to attend the unveiling. Her mother, Dana, said their lives at home revolve around David Cook. In fact, Terry said she has to bribe Jordan to not wear a David Cook T-shirt to school every day. She has eight in all.

“He’s from Blue Springs, and he is a really good singer,” Jordan said. “I watched him from the beginning. I get to also go to his concert and go back stage to meet him.”

Terry said although her daughter is obsessed with the American Idol, the experience is a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

“Everything in our house revolves around David Cook,” she said. “I just think this is her chance of a lifetime to meet David Cook. This is her moment that she will never forget.”